With a stellar performance in Game 3 of the 2016 NHL Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins took it to the Washington Capitals, winning 3-2. The Penguins got off to a quick start with two goals in the first period — one of a nice tip from Patric Hornqvist and then another, a minute later, off a rush that ended with an attempted pass ricocheting off Tom Kuhnhackl’s back into the net.
Pittsburgh then extended its lead after Nick Bonino made a nice play, dragging the puck across the mouth of the goal, sneaking it all the way around Washington goaltender Braden Holtby, then getting the puck between Holtby’s pad and the side of the net, where Carl Hagelin got his stick on it.
The physical play by the Capitals did continue, but the Penguins looked immune to the hits and absorbed whatever Washington threw at them.
Murray or Fleury?
Marc-Andre Fleury was dressed and backed up Matt Murray tonight, a good sign that the seasoned netminder could be ready to head back in between the pipes for Pittsburgh.
However, with the recent play of Murray, the Penguins may continue to start the young goaltender over Fleury, and it would be hard to blame head coach Mike Sullivan. Murray has only allowed three goals in the last two games, and he hasn’t been phased by the pressure following his Game 1 performance.
Sullivan now has a tough decision going forward, but its a good problem to have. With Fleury sitting on the bench and being cleared to play, it’s unclear what direction the team will take with its starter in the net.
Murray has been Pittsburgh’s biggest reason the team has taken an early 2-1 series lead against the Capitals. Alex Ovechkin was the sole player to score against Murray tonight, but Washington was able to put up a staggering 49 shots on goal.
Fleury hasn’t played since March, and it may be helpful to get him a start should the Penguins move on to the next round. Murray has been playing well, but, at some point, he’ll need to sit out and rest a game.
If the Penguins are able to take a commanding 3-1 lead against the Capitals after Game 4, don’t be surprised if the team gives Fleury the nod to help him shake off any rust he may have accumulated.
De-Fense! De-Fense!
The Penguins played well on both sides of the ice, but with Olli Maata out, it was unclear how they’d perform. The defense hit back hard and responded well to the challenge. However, Kris Letang may be in line for a suspension hearing after he hit Washington’s Marcus Johansson in the head with a shoulder. While it wasn’t as vicious as Brooks Orpik’s hit on Maata, Letang’s hit will, more than likely, be investigated by the league.
Another big takeaway from tonight’s game was seeing the collapse on the net by the Pittsburgh players. At one point, late in the third period, three Penguins positioned themselves right around the net, fortifying a wall around Murray.
Pittsburgh also didn’t allow any power-play goals by Washington — the Penguins killed all four opportunities. Washington did continue to take the body, however, putting up 58 hits, but there were no significant injuries, with the exception of Bryan Rust.
Rust, after blocking a shot in the first period, limped into the locker room, where he stayed for the remainder of the game. Rust’s block was one of 19 the Penguins were able to tally, preventing the Capitals from getting to the net on several occasions.
What’s Next?
The Penguins will have the opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4, which will take place Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. at Consol Energy Center.
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